8 Things You Can Make in an Instant Pot to Save Money

The Instant Pot is truly an amazing kitchen gadget that saves you time when it comes to meal prep. You probably already know that you can make delicious fall-off-the-bone ribs and perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs with your IP, but did you know you can make other everyday necessities? Here are eight items you can make in an Instant Pot to save money.

1. Popcorn

Pop delicious, homemade popcorn in the Instant Pot with just dry popcorn kernels and coconut oil. In less than 10 minutes, you can have a movie-worthy snack. Instant Pot popcorn will also save you money since you can buy the kernels in bulk and avoid prepackaged popcorn, as well as a popcorn maker. Then add your favorite seasoning, such as butter or cinnamon and sugar, and enjoy! (See also: 12 Instant Pot Recipes That Will Save You Money)

2. Vanilla extract

Vanilla extract prices are higher than ever, due to the high cost of vanilla beans and lower crop yields in Madagascar (the world's largest producer of vanilla). But the good news is, you can save a little bit of money by making the extract yourself, especially if you already have vanilla beans on hand. This Instant Pot vanilla extract recipe takes 30 minutes in the cooker and tastes best after one to two weeks of sitting. (See also: 3-Ingredient Instant Pot Recipes That Fit Any Budget)

3. Dog food

Treat your pupper to some divine goodness with homemade dog food. Making your own dog food in the Instant Pot is a great way to create several days' worth of food in less than 30 minutes. Homemade dog food can sometimes save owners money over conventional pet food, and can help remedy pet issues, like weight or skin problems.

Note that many homemade dog food recipes, even ones made in an IP, are not meant to meet all of your dog's health needs. Be sure to research what other nutrients your pet needs in their diet.

4. Cough syrup

The problem with many over-the-counter cough medicines is that they can cause drowsiness, and parents have to buy an adult version as well as a children's version for safety reasons. This Instant Pot cough syrup is safe for both kids and grown-ups and uses fresh herbs to bring natural relief to stubborn coughs.

5. Whole grain bread

Did you know that your Instant Pot can replace a bread machine? This recipe for IP whole wheat crusty bread uses the yogurt function to let the dough rise, and then you can bake the bread in the oven. This fresh, homemade bread takes five and half hours to make instead of being an all-day event. Plus, you can save the money you'd normally spend on bread at the grocery store for much cheaper ingredients and a sense of accomplishment by making your own. (See also: 5 Ways Your Instant Pot Can Save You Money)

6. Hard lotion

Hard lotion is a lotion bar that is solid at room temperature, but will melt into your skin when you go to apply it. It's convenient to travel with and makes nice handmade gifts. This Instant Pot hard lotion can be made with just three simple ingredients: cacao butter, extra virgin olive oil, and beeswax. You can add your desired scent of essential oil, too. (See also: 4 Beauty Products You Can Make in an Instant Pot)

7. Jam

Once summertime arrives, peaches and strawberries will be everywhere. You can stretch the taste of summer into fall and winter by transforming summer fruits into jam. The Instant Pot drastically cuts the prep and cooking process so you can enjoy your toast sooner. Here's a recipe for honey vanilla peach jam and strawberry jam.

8. French toast

I'm sure many of us would love to start our mornings off with a heaping plate of French toast, but who has time for that? With the Instant Pot, you can whip up a delicious batch of French toast in 30-45 minutes, giving yourself a fantastic breakfast even on work days.

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